1

8E>H=JEI =@ 4AI=?A
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Vibrations or oscillations constitute one of the most important fields of study in physics as well
as engineering. The characteristic feature of vibration is its periodicity i.e., there is a movement
or displacement or a variation in the value of a physical quantity that repeats over and over
again. In mechanical systems, the periodicity refers to displacement and force while in the
electrical systems, it is related to current and voltage. At the microscopic level, atoms and
molecules execute periodic vibration in the solid state. The propagation of light involves the
vibrations of electric and magnetic fields while that of sound, the periodic motion of atoms and
molecules. The complex and a variety of phenomena arising out of the interaction between
matter and radiation can be understood in the conceptual framework of vibrations.
Vibratory motion of machines and mechanical structures is a source of noise.
Consequently vibration analysis and control is an important discipline in engineering. The
design of jet engines, rocket engines, wheeled vehicles which are made immune to shock during
motion needs a thorough understanding of the phenomena of vibrations. Vibration isolators
and dampers are routinely used in industry to minimise noise pollution. Vibratory motion is
also put to use in many practical devices such as vibratory conveyors, hoppers, sieves,
compactors, washing machines, dentists drills etc. An understanding of the vibrations of strings,
membranes, air columns in pipes is necessary for the design of musical instruments. The
simulation of vibratory motion of earths crust is often carried out to understand the phenomena
of earthquake and the propagation of shock waves. The science of acoustics deals with the
generation, transmission and reception of energy in the form of vibrational waves in matter. A
study of the acoustics of building and noise control methods forms an integral part of
architectural engineering.
Vibrations are classified into the following types:
Free vibrations: These refer to vibrations when the system is allowed to vibrate on its
own. The system is not subjected to a periodic force.
Forced vibrations: If a system is subjected to a periodic force, the resulting vibrations
are known as forced vibrations.
Undamped vibration: If no energy is lost or dissipated in friction during vibration, the
vibration is termed undamped vibration.
Damped vibration: This refers to vibration in which there is loss of energy during
vibration. Consequently a system which is set to vibrate will come to rest after in due course of
time.

2 PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS

Linear/non-linear vibration: If the restoring force is proportional to displacement or
when the frictional force is linearly proportional to velocity the vibrations are termed linear,
otherwise they are non-linear.
Transient vibrations: When a system is subjected to a periodic force, it takes a finite
though a short time, for the onset of steady state vibrations. The vibrations during this interim
period is known as transient vibrations. We will begin with the study of Simple Harmonic
Motion (SHM), which is the simplest of all periodic motion.
1.2 SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION
We define Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) as a motion in which the acceleration of the body
(or force on the body) is directly proportional to its displacement from a fixed point and is
always directed towards the fixed point. SHM possesses the following characteristics.
(i) The motion is periodic.
(ii) When displaced from the fixed point or the mean position, a restoring force acts on
the particle tending to bring it to the mean position.
(iii) Restoring force on the particle is directly proportional to its displacement. The study
of SHM is of practical interest. A vast variety of deformation of physical systems
involving stretching, compression, bending or twisting (or combinations involving
all of these) result in restoring forces proportional to displacement and hence, leads
to SHM.
Now we will consider an example of a SHM. Let a
particle A moves along the circumference of a circle with a
constant speed v(= r) where r is the radius of the circle and
is its angular speed. Let the centre of the circle be O and a
perpendicular AP be drawn from the particle on the diameter
YY of the circle (Fig. 1.1).
Then as the particle moves along the circumference of
the circle, the point P, the foot of the perpendicular vibrates
along the diameter. Since the motion of A is uniform, the
motion of P is periodic. At any instant, the distance OP from
O is called the displacement. If the particle moves from X to
A in time t, then

AOX = PAO

= t =
i.e., OP = y = r sin t
Velocity = v =
dy
dt
= r cos t (1.1)
= r(1 sin
2
t)
1/2
= r(1 y
2
/r
2
)
1/2
Acceleration =
d y
dt
2
2
= r
2
sin t
=
2
y =
2
displacement (1.2)
Thus, acceleration is directly proportional to displacement and directed towards a fixed
point. Hence, the above example corresponds to SHM.
It is instructive to learn how velocity and acceleration in a SHM vary with time. We
notice that when the displacement is maximum (+ r or r), the velocity = 0, because now the
Y
A
q
q w = t
P
X X O
Y
Fig. 1.1 Simple harmonic motion
VIBRATIONS AND RESONANCE 3
point P must change its direction. But when y is maximum (+ r or r), the acceleration is also
maximum (
2
r or +
2
r respectively) and is directed opposite to the displacement. When
y = 0, the velocity is maximum (r or r) and the acceleration is zero.
The time period T (the time required to complete one oscillation) is given by the following
relation.
Angular velocity =
Angle described in one revolution
Time taken for one revolution
i.e., =
2
T
or T =
2

Substituting the value of from eqn. (1.2), we have

T =
2
Acceleration / Displacement
T =
2
Acceleration per unit displacement
= 2
Displacement
Acceleration
(1.3)
The frequency n is given by 1/T.
The idea of phase is very important in SHM. Phase difference between two SHMs
indicates how much the two motions are out of step with each other or by how much angle or
how much time one is ahead of the other. In general, displacement is given by
y = r sin (t + )
Clearly at t = 0, y = r sin . is called the initial phase
(Fig. 1.2.)
Now let us calculate the total energy associated with
the particle executing SHM. When a body undergoes SHM,
its total energy consists of potential energy and kinetic energy.
The velocity and consequently kinetic energy is maximum at
the mean position. Potential energy is zero at mean position
and is maximum at the extreme position.
Let us calculate the potential energy.
Potential energy = Force Distance
The work done in moving through dy is m
2
ydy
P.E. = m
2
ydy
=
m y
2 2
2
=
m r t
2 2 2
2
sin
K.E. =
mv mr t
2 2 2 2
2 2
=
cos
Fig. 1.2 Simple harmonic motion
Y
A
0
f
P
X X O
Y
A is the position at t = 0
0
4 PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS
T.E. =
mr
2 2
2

(cos
2
t + sin
2
t)
=
mr mv
2 2 2
2 2

= (1.4)
=
1
2
mass (amplitude)
2
(angular velocity)
2
1.3 FREE VIBRATIONS
Let us consider a body of mass m executing SHM. The equation of motion is of the form:
m
d x
dt
Kx
2
2
= or
d x
dt
x
n
2
2
2
=
where

n
K
m
2
=
(1.5)

n
is the natural angular frequency of the simple harmonic oscillator. K is often called the
spring constant. This ensures that the acceleration of the particle is always directed towards a
fixed point on the line and proportional to the displacement from that point. For a solution of
eqn. (1.5), consider
x = Ae
st
so that
dx
dt
= sAe
st
and
d x
dt
2
2
= s
2
Ae
st
(1.6)
From eqns. (1.5) and (1.6)
s
2
Ae
st
+
n
2
Ae
st
= 0 Ae
st
(s
2
+
n
2
) = 0 s = i
n
Thus eqn. (1.5) is satisfied by
x = e
i t
n

and x = e
i t
n

A linear combination of these two also satisfies eqn. (1.5)
x =
A e
i t
n
1

+
A e
i t
n
2

(1.7a)
where A
1
and A
2
are arbitrary constants. This solution may be written as:
x = A
1
(cos
n
t + i sin
n
t) + A
2
(cos
n
t i sin
n
t)
= (A
1
+ A
2
) cos
n
t + i(A
1
A
2
) sin
n
t
= A cos
n
t + B sin
n
t
= C sin (
n
t + ) = C sin
n
t cos +C cos
n
t sin (1.7b)
Equating coefficients of sin
n
t and cos
n
t,
A = C sin and B = C cos
C =
A B
2 2
+
and = tan
1

A
B

The velocity of the particle at any instant is given by

v =
dx
dt
= C
n
cos (
n
t + ) (1.8)
The values of C and depend upon the initial conditions.
Let x = x
0
and
dx
dt
= v
0
at t = 0
VIBRATIONS AND RESONANCE 5
Substituting in eqn. (1.7b) and its derivative, we get
x
0
= C sin sin =
x
C
0
(1.8a)
v
0
=
dx
dt
t

= 0
= C
n
cos cos =
v
C
n
0

(1.8b)
Squaring and adding eqns. (1.8a) and (1.8b)
C x
v
n
= +

0
2 0
2
2
1/ 2

(1.9a)
Dividing eqn. (1.8a) by (1.8b)
= tan
1
x
v
n 0
0

(1.9b)
Clearly C is the amplitude. The value of x repeats when t changes by 2/
n
because
x = C sin

n
n
t +

2
= C sin (
n
t + 2 + ) = C sin (
n
t + )
periodic time =
2

n
and frequency =

n
2
The plot of displacement and velocity with time is shown in Fig. 1.3.
2 / p w
n
x
x
0
( / ) f w
n
Time
(a)
v
v
0
Time
2 / p w
n
(b)
Fig. 1.3 (a) Displacement and (b) velocity in undamped vibration
6 PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS
It is possible to arrive at eqn. (1.5) by considering the principle of conservation of energy.
In free vibrations without damping, the total energy is conserved, i.e., T + U = constant, where
T and U are kinetic and potential energy respectively. They are given by :
T =
1
2
2
m
dx
dt

,
and U =
1
2
Kx
2
(1.10)
T + U = constant or
d
dt
(T + U) = 0 (1.11)
From eqns. (1.10) and (1.11)
d
dt
m
dx
dt
Kx
1
2
1
2
2
2

,
+

= 0
1
2
m 2
dx
dt
d x
dt
2
2
1
2
+ 2 Kx
dx
dt
= 0

dx
dt
m
d x
dt
Kx
2
2
+

= 0, m
d x
dt
2
2
+ Kx = 0
d x
dt
2
2
+
n
2
x = 0
The above equation is identical with eqn. (1.5).
1.4 DAMPED VIBRATIONS
1.4.1 Introduction
In many practical systems, the vibrational energy is gradually converted to heat or sound. Due
to the reduction in energy, the response, such as the displacement of the system gradually
decreases. The mechanism by which the vibrational energy is gradually converted into heat or
sound is known as damping. Although the energy loss due to damping may be small,
consideration of damping becomes important for an accurate prediction of the vibrational
response of the system. Damping is modelled as one or more of the following types:
Viscous Damping
When a mechanical system vibrates in a fluid such as air, gas, water and oil, the resistance
offered by the fluid to the moving body causes energy to be dissipated. The amount of dissipated
energy depends on many factors such as the size and shape of the vibrating body, the viscosity
of the fluid, the frequency of vibration and the velocity of the vibrating body. In viscous damping,
the damping force is proportional to the velocity of the vibrating body. Typical examples of
viscous damping include
(a) fluid films between sliding surfaces
(b) fluid flow around a piston in a cylinder
(c) fluid flow through an orifice and
(d) the fluid flow around a journal in a bearing.
Coulomb or Dry Friction Damping
Here the damping force is constant in magnitude but opposite in direction to the motion
of the vibrating body. It is caused by friction between rubbing surfaces that are either dry or
have insufficient lubrication.
Material or Solid or Hysteretic Damping
Energy is absorbed or dissipated when a material is deformed under periodic stress.
The effect is due to friction between the internal atomic planes, which slip or slide as the
VIBRATIONS AND RESONANCE 7
deformation takes place. When a body having material damping is subjected to a periodic
stress, a periodic strain results which has a phase lag. The stress ()-strain () curve shows a
hysteresis loop as shown in Fig. 1.4b. The area of the loop denotes energy loss per unit volume
of the body per cycle due to damping. This phenomenon is very much similar to ferromagnetic
hysteresis where phase lag is observed between the magnetic induction (B) and the applied
field (H). In a ferromagnetic material, the application of magnetic field leads to domain growth
and rotation. This involves some sort of friction between the adjacent domains.
B
s
B
r
H
c
H
e
0
(a) (b)
B
s
0
e
s
Fig. 1.4 Hysteretic damping (a) ferromagnetic hysteresis (b) elastic hysteresis
1.4.2 Free Vibration with Viscous Damping
Here the viscous force is proportional to velocity and acts opposite to the direction of velocity.
Generally a damped oscillator is represented by a spring and a dashpot. (Fig. 1.5). The eqn. of
motion of a body subject to viscous drag is of the form
m
d x
dt
2
2
=
c
dx
dt
Kx
d x
dt
2
2
+
c
m
dx
dt
+
K
m
x = 0 (1.12)
Kx
cx
.
m
+x
O
+x
m
K
c
System
(a)
Free body diagram
(b)
Fig. 1.5 One dimensional damped oscillator (a) system and (b) free body diagram
8 PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS
(c/m) denotes the frictional force per unit mass per unit velocity. For convenience, denote
K
m
=
n
2
and
c
m
= 2
n
(1.13)
is a measure of damping. It is related to factors like quality factor (Q), logarithmic decrement
(), relaxation time, loss coefficient and specific damping capacity, which are used to characterise
a damped oscillator.
From eqns. (1.12) and (1.13) we have
d x
dt
2
2
+ 2
n
dx
dt
+
n
2
x = 0 (1.14)
Let x = Ae
st
be the solution of eqn. (1.14)
Then
dx
dt
= Ase
st
and
d x
dt
2
2
= As
2
e
st
(1.15)
From eqns. (1.14) and (1.15)
Ae
st
(s
2
+ 2
n
s +
n
2
) = 0 s
2
+ 2
n
s +
n
2
= 0
This is a quadratic equation in s. The solutions are given by
s =
n

2
1
The general solution to eqn. (1.12) is
x = A e A e
n n
t t
1
1
2
1
2 1
( ) ( ) +
+

(1.16)
Critical Damping Constant:
The critical damping constant (c
c
) is defined as the value of the damping constant for
which radical is eqn. (1.16) is zero. i.e.,
= 1 c
c
= 2m
n
= 2
mK
[from eqn. (1.13)] (1.17)
From eqns. (1.13) and (1.17)
= =
c
c
c
Damping constant
Critical damping constant
c = c
c
= 2m
n
= 2
mK
(1.18)
The solution given by eqn. (1.16) can be analysed under the following three cases:
Case (i) Underdamped system
< 1 or c < c
c
or c < 2m
n
or c < 2
mK
For this condition (
2
1) is negative and the two roots can be expressed as
s
1
=

( ) + i
n
1
2
; s
2
=

( ) i
n
1
2
Hence the solution eqn. (1.16) takes the form
x = A e
i t
n
1
1
2
( ) +
+ A e
i t
n
2
1
2
( )
=
e A e A e
n n n
t i t i t
+

1
1
2
1
2 2
(1.19)
Following the procedure in simplifying as in the case of eqn. (1.7)
x(t) =
Ce
n
t
sin
1
2
+

n
t = Ce
n
t
sin (
d
t + ) (1.20)
where
d
=
n
1
2
(1.21)
VIBRATIONS AND RESONANCE 9
C and can be evaluated by knowing the initial conditions and are given by eqn. (1.8).
On comparing eqn. (1.20) with eqn. (1.7b) we find that eqn. (1.20) corresponds to a damped
harmonic motion of angular frequency
d
given by eqn. (1.21). The amplitude decreases
exponentially with time given by:
Ce
n
t
A sketch of displacement with time for various is given in Fig. 1.6. Clearly
d
<
n
. The
variation of
d
with is shown in Fig. 1.7.
x
x = 0.01
x = 0.05
x
x
x
x = 0.1
x = 0.2
t
t
t
t
Fig. 1.6 Time variation of displacement as a
function of damping ratio < 1 (underdamping)
Case (ii) Critically Damped System
= 1 or c = c
c
= 2m
n
= 2 mK
For this case the eqn. (1.16) takes the form
x e A A
n
t
= +

( )
1 2
Clearly the displacement decreases exponentially with time (Fig. 1.8). This solution
does not provide any more information. On substituting this solution in eqn. (1.14) we get back
the condition that = 1. Hence let us assume that the expression within the radical sign is not
equal to zero but a small quantity h. Later we will analyse the solution in the limit h 0.
i.e., assume
i h
2
1 =
w
w
d
n
1
0
1 x
w w x
d n
= 1
2
Fig. 1.7 Variation of (
d
/
n
) with
Fig. 1.8 Time variation of displacement with
(a) = 1 (critical damping) and (b) > 1
(slightly greater than critical damping)
x(t)
Critically
damped
( = 1) x
Slightly
overdamped
( > 1) x
Time
10 PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS
Substituting the above expression in eqn. (1.19), we get
x =
A e
h t
n
1
( ) +
+ A e
h t
n
2
( )
=
e A e A e
n n n
t h t h t
+

1 2
e
n
t
[A
1
(1 + h
n
t + ) + A
2
(1 h
n
t + )]

e
n
t
[(A
1
+ A
2
) + h
n
t(A
1
A
2
)] = e
n
t
[P + Qt] (1.22)
Where P = A
1
+ A
2
and Q = h
n
(A
1
A
2
)
It is clear from eqn. (1.22) that as t increases, the factor P + Qt increases but the factor
e
n
t
decreases. Thus the displacement x first increases due to the factor (P + Qt) and then
exponentially decreases to zero as it increases. The displacement is not periodic (Fig. 1.8).
Case (iii) Overdamped System
> 1 or c > c
c
or c > 2m
n
> 2 mK
For this condition (
2
1) is positive and the two roots are:
s
1
=
( ) +
2
1
n
< 0
s
2
=
( )
2
1
n
< 0
They are real. Hence x decays exponentially with
time. Note that the exponent factor is greater in
magnitude than in case (ii). Here the mass moves
to equilibrium more slowly. Further, there is no
oscillation in this case as well (Fig. 1.9). In critical
damping the mass returns to rest in shortest
possible time without overshooting. This property
of critical damping is used in many practical
applications. For example, large guns have
dashpots with critical damping value so that they
can return to their original position after recoil
in the minimum time without vibrating. If the
damping provided were more than critical value,
some delay would occur before the next firing.
1.4.3 Energy of a Weakly Damped Oscillator
The amplitude of the oscillator is given by eqn. (1.20) to be Ce
n
t
From eqn. (1.4) the energy of oscillator
E =
1
2
mass (amplitude)
2
(angular frequency)
2
=
1
2
m
n
2
C
2
e
n
t 2
= E
0
e
n
t 2
(1.23)
Thus the energy decays with time as shown in Fig. (1.10).
x(t)
Time
Highly
overdamped
( >> 1) x
Fig. 1.9 Time variation of displacement with
for >> 1 (overdamping)
VIBRATIONS AND RESONANCE 11
x
t
(a)
E
0
E(t)
(b)
E = E e
0
2xw
n
t
Fig. 1.10 Time variation of (a) amplitude and (b) energy of an underdamped oscillator
1.4.4 Logarithmic Decrement, Relaxation Time, Specific Damping Capacity, Loss
Coefficient and Q-Factor
Several parameters such as logarithmic decrement, relaxation time, specific damping capacity,
loss coefficient and quality factor are used to describe the characteristics of damped oscillator.
Logarithmic Decrement
The logarithmic decrement represents the rate at which the amplitude of a free damped
vibration decreases. It is defined as the natural logarithm of the ratio of any two successive
amplitudes. Let x
1
and x
2
be the two consecutive amplitudes. Let t
1
and t
2
denote the time
corresponding to two consecutive amplitudes (Fig. 1.11).
x
x
1
t
d
t
x
2
t
1
t
2
Fig. 1.11 Logarithmic decrement
x
x
1
2
=
Ce t
Ce t
n
n
t
d
t
d

+
+

1
2
1
2
sin
sin
where
d
is given by eqn. (1.21) (1.24)
But t
2
= t
1
+
d
where
d
=
2

d
(1.25a)
sin (
d
t
2
+ ) = sin

d
d
t
1
2
+

= sin (
d
t
1
+ 2 + ) = sin (
d
t
1
+ ) (1.25b)
12 PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS
From eqns. (1.24) and (1.25)
x
x
e
n d
1
2
=

Taking natural logarithms and making use of eqn. (1.21)
ln
x
x
1
2

= =
n

d
=
n
2

=
2
1
2

2 for << 1 (1.26)
Figure 1.12 shows the plot of logarithmic decrement as a function of .
0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
d
p
x
=
2
d =
2
1
px
x
2
x =
c
c
c
= Damping factor
L
o
g
a
r
i
t
h
m
i
c
d
e
c
r
e
m
e
n
t
Fig. 1.12 Logarithmic decrement as a function of
In general if x
1
and x
m + 1
denote the amplitudes corresponding to t
1
and t
m + 1
= t
1
+ m
d
where m is an integer, then
x
x
m
1
1 +
=
x
x
1
2

x
x
2
3

x
x
3
4

x
x
m
m + 1
= { }
( )
e
n d
m
= e
m
n d

= e
m
Taking natural logarithms
ln
x
x
m
1
1 +

= m =
1
1
1
m
x
x
m
ln
+

(1.27)
To determine the number of cycles m elapsed for a 50% reduction in amplitude, we have
from eqns. (1.26) and (1.27)
2 =
1
m
ln 2 =
0693 .
m
m =
0 693
2
.

= 0.110
This is the eqn. of a rectangular hyperbola and is shown in Fig. 1.13.
VIBRATIONS AND RESONANCE 13
0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
N
u
m
b
e
r
o
f
c
y
c
l
e
s
f
o
r
5
0
%
r
e
d
u
c
t
i
o
n
i
n
a
m
p
l
i
t
u
d
e
c
c
c
x = = Damping factor
Fig. 1.13 Number of cycles for 50% reduction in amplitude
Relaxation Time
The amplitude is given by x(t) = Ce
n
t
Relaxation time is defined as the time taken by the amplitude to decrease (1/e)
th
of its
original value
i.e.,
x
x o
( )
( )

=
1
e
=
Ce
C
n

=
e
n

=
1

n
(1.28)
From eqns. (1.28) and (1.26)

1

n
=
1
2

n
=
2 1

n

=
T

(1.29)
Relaxation time is inversely proportional to logarithmic decrement.
Natural time period = Relaxation time Logarithmic decrement
Specific Damping Capacity, Loss Coefficient and Q-factor
The rate of decay of energy with time can be obtained by differentiating eqn. (1.23)
i.e.,
dE
dt
= E
0
2
n
e
n
t 2
= 2
n
E
loss of energy in one cycle =
dE
dt

,
time period
= E = 2
n
E
2

(1.30)
From eqn. (1.21) and (1.30)
E
E
= specific damping capacity =
4

n
d
=
4
1
2

4
14 PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS
Quantity E/E is called the specific damping capacity and is useful in comparing the
damping capacity of materials. Another coefficient known as the loss coefficient is also used
for comparing the damping capacity.
Loss coefficient =
Energy dissipated per radian
Total energy
=
E
E
2

=
1
2
E
E

,
= 2

(1.31)
Q-factor = Q = 2
Energy stored
Energy dissipated per cycle
= 2
E
E

,
= 2
1
4
=
1
2
=

(1.32)
Note that Q-factor is the reciprocal of the loss coefficient.
1.5 STEADY STATE RESPONSE OF AN OSCILLATOR UNDER THE AC-
TION OF A PERIODIC FORCE
1.5.1 Introduction
In many situations the response of an oscillator to a periodic force has to be analysed both in
the fields of physics and engineering. An important idea associated with the response of an
oscillator to the periodic force is resonance i.e., when the natural frequency of the oscillator is
equal to the frequency of the periodic force. The differential equation which describes this
phenomenon is used in the analysis of mechanical vibrations as well as a.c. circuits. The same
mathematical formalism can be used to understand the response of electrons and ions to an
electromagnetic field. In geophysics it is used to understand the phenomenon of tides which
are the result of moons periodic motion about the earth. Resonance is also encountered in
many phenomena such as nuclear magnetic resonance, Mossbauer effect, infrared absorption
dielectric dispersion and microwave absorption.
1.5.2 Undamped Oscillator
We consider an undamped system subjected to a periodic force of frequency
i.e., F(t) = F
0
sin t. The equation of motion is given by
m
d x
dt
2
2
= F
0
sin t Kx m
d x
dt
2
2
+ Kx = F
0
sin t (1.33)
Since the exciting force F(t) is periodic, x(t) is also periodic and has the same frequency
i.e., x(t) = A sin t (1.34a)

dx
dt
= A cos t and
d x
dt
2
2
= A
2
sin t (1.34b)
From eqns. (1.34a), (1.34b) and (1.33)
mA
2
sin t + KA sin t = F
0
sin t
A sin t[K m
2
] = F
0
sin t
A =
F
K m
F K
n
st
n
0
2
0
2 2
1 1
( )
/

(3
n
2
= K/m) (1.35a)
VIBRATIONS AND RESONANCE 15

st
has the units of displacement and is given by (F
0
/K). It
denotes the deflection of mass under force F
0
and is
sometimes referred to as static deflection because F
0
is
constant. The quantity (A/
st
) represents the ratio of the
dynamic to static amplitude and is called magnification
factor or amplitude ratio. It is given by eqn. (1.35b). Its
variation with the frequency of the driving force is shown in
Fig. 1.14
A
st

=
1
1
2

n
(1.35b)
It is instructive to consider the variation of the amplitude ratio for the following two
cases:
Case (i) When <
n
, the amplitude ratio ( A/
st
) is positive and the displacement is in
phase with the force.
Case (ii) When >
n
, the amplitude ratio (A/
st
) is negative and the solution is expressed
as
x = A sin t and A =

st
n

2
1
In this case there is a phase difference of between the displacement and the force.
Case (iii) When =
n
, the amplitude ratio (A/
st
) becomes infinite and the phenomenon
is known as resonance. But in practical situations, amplitude ratio does not become infinite
since damping is invariably present.
1.5.3 Damped Oscillator
The response of a damped oscillator is of practical interest since most oscillatory motions in
real life are damped. Some examples of damping are described below:
Resistive damping: In simple LCR circuit, the damping effect is produced by resistance.
Energy is dissipated due to Joule heating and is referred to as Resistive damping.
Electromagnetic Damping: A galvanometer consists of a current carrying coil mounted
on an axis in a magnetic field. The radial field produced by a properly shaped permanent
magnet results in a deflection which is proportional to the current. The steady current in the
coil gives rise to a torque which is proportional to the current. The coil comes to rest in a
position when this electromagnetic torque is balanced by the elastic torque due to the stiffness
of the suspension. A suspended coil is subjected to various mechanical damping processes.
The viscosity of the atmosphere will produce a damping torque which is proportional to the
angular velocity. There is also an electromagnetic source of damping. When the coil rotates
towards its new equilibrium position, the magnetic field will induce a voltage proportional to
the instantaneous angular speed. According to Lenzs law the induced voltage will reduce the
current flowing in the coil by an amount proportional to the angular velocity and inversely
proportional to the resistance of the circuit. Thus the electromagnetic torque will also be reduced.
A/d
st
3
2
1
0
1
2
3
1
2 3 4
r = / w w
n
Fig. 1.14 Magnification factor for
an undamped oscillator
16 PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS
Collision damping: Whenever an electron in a metal or in atmosphere is subjected to an
electromagnetic field, the oscillatory motion of the electron is damped by collision with other
electrons. This is often referred to as collision damping.
Radiation damping: An electron subjected to an oscillatory motion experiences a periodic
acceleration. An electric charge in acceleration emits electromagnetic radiation and thus the
electron loses energy. This is known as radiation damping.
We consider a damped oscillator subject to a periodic force of frequency .i.e.,
F(t) = F
0
sin t. The equation of motion is given by
m
d x
dt
2
2
= F
0
sin t c
dx
dt
Kx m
d x
dt
2
2
+ c
dx
dt
+ Kx = F
0
sin t (1.36)
Under steady state conditions x(t) is also expected to be periodic. i.e.,
x(t) = A sin (t ) (1.37a)
so that
dx
dt
= A cos (t ) and
d x
dt
2
2
= A
2
sin (t ) (1.37b)
From eqns. (1.36), (1.37a) and (1.37b)
m[ A
2
sin (t )] + c[A cos (t )] + KA sin (t )
= F
0
sin t = F
0
sin [(t ) + ]
A [(K m
2
)] sin (t ) + c cos (t )]
= F
0
[sin (t ) cos + cos (t ) sin ] (1.38)
Equating coefficients of sin (t ) and cos (t ) in eqn. (1.38)
Ac = F
0
sin (1.39a)
A(K m
2
) = F
0
cos (1.39b)
Squaring and adding eqns. (1.39a) and (1.39b)
F
0
2
= A
2
[(K m
2
)
2
+ c
2

2
] A =
F
K m c
0
2 2 2 2 1/ 2
[( ) ] +
=
F K
m
K
c
K
0
2
2
2 2
2
1/ 2
1
/

(1.40a)
Dividing eqn. (1.39a) by eqn. (1.39b)
tan =
c
K m

( )
2
(1.40b)
The A and for various values of Q is shown in Fig. 1.15.
It is convenient to recast eqn. (1.40a) in a simplified form by making the following
substitutions:

n
=
K
m
; c = 2m
n
;
st
=
F
K
0
; r =

n
(1.41a)
VIBRATIONS AND RESONANCE 17
0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 2.0 ( / ) w w
n
Q=1
Q = 3
Q = 10
Q = 30
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
A
(a)
0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 2.0 ( / ) w w
n
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
Q = 30
Q = 10
Q = 3
Q = 1
Q =
f
(b)
0
0
Fig. 1.15 Frequency dependence of amplitude and phase for various values of Q
A
r r st

=
+
1
1 2
2 2 2
( ) ( )
(1.41b)
= tan
1

2
1
2
r
r

= tan
1

2
1

r
r

(1.41c)
Equation (1.41) gives the amplitude and phase of the forced vibration. Depending on r,
the following cases are possible.
Case (i) r << 1 i.e., when the driving frequency is very much less than the natural
frequency.
In this case (A/
st
) ~ 1, since terms r
2
, r
4
can be neglected. Note that r can lie only
between 0 and 1. The amplitude of vibration is independent of frequency of external force. It
depends only on the magnitude of the applied force F
0
.
Further ~ tan
1
(0) ~ 0. i.e., the displacement and the force are in phase.
Case (ii) r = 1, when the frequency of the applied force is equal to the natural frequency of
the oscillator.
In this case A =
st
/2 = Q
st
. i.e., the amplitude is proportional to the applied force and
the quality factor.
Further = tan
1
() = /2. i.e., the amplitude and the applied force are out of phase by
90.
Case (iii) r >> 1, when the frequency of the applied force is very much greater than the
natural frequency.
Assuming that only r
4
is the dominant term, A ~
st
/r
2
~
st

n
2
/
2
. i.e., the amplitude
decreases inversely as the square of the frequency of the applied force. It is also proportional to
the magnitude of the force.
Further = tan
1
( 0) = . i.e., the displacement and force are out of phase by 180.
18 PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS
1.5.4 Amplitude Resonance
Equation (1.41a) clearly indicates that amplitude is a function of frequency. It is interesting to
find for what r, A will be maximum. Clearly A is maximum when the denominator is least i.e.,
when
d
dr
{(1 r
2
)
2
+ (2r)
2
} = 0
2(1 r
2
)( 2r) + 8r
2
= 0 4r [2
2
(1 r
2
)] = 0 or 1 r
2
= 2
2
or r =
1 2
2

i.e., amplitude is maximum for angular frequency
=
n
1 2
2
(1.42a)
which is neither the natural frequency
n
nor the frequency
d
the damped oscillator.
1.5.5 Velocity Resonance
The solution to eqn. (1.36) is given by
x = A sin (t ) where A and are given by eqn. (1.41)
v = velocity =
dx
dt
= A cos (t ) v
max
= A
i.e., v
max
= A =

st
r r
.
( ) 1 4
2 2 2 2
+
=

st n
r
r r
. .
( ) 1 4
2 2 2 2
+
=

st n
r
r
1
4
2
2

,
+
(1.42b)
The above expression is greatest when r = 1 i.e., =
n
and its value is

st n
2
Note that the amplitude resonance and velocity resonance occur at frequencies different
from each other. For << 1 (~ 0.05), both the resonances are at =
n
.
1.5.6 Power Absorbed by a Driven Oscillator
Whenever an oscillator is driven by an external force, energy is absorbed by the oscillator. The
energy absorbed by the oscillator is equal to the energy dissipated due to damping. The rate of
energy absorption or power absorbed is a function of driving frequency. It is maximum at
resonance i.e., when the frequency of the periodic force is equal to that of the natural frequency
of the oscillator. The power absorbed by the oscillator is given by:
Power = Viscous force Velocity
From eqn. (1.36)
Viscous force = c
dx
dt
power = c
dx
dt

2
From eqn. (1.37b)
x(t) = A sin t and
dx
dt
= A cos t assuming = 0 at t = 0
Power (P) absorbed by the oscillator in one cycle is given by:
P = c A t dt cA tdt [ cos ] cos
/ /


2 2 2 2
0
2
0
2
=

VIBRATIONS AND RESONANCE 19

= +

= =

cA
t dt dt
cA
c A
2 2
0
2
0
2
2 2
2
2
2
1
2

cos
/ /
From eqn. (1.37b)
Power = No. of cycles/sec Average power per cycle
=

2
cA
2
=
1
2
cA
2

2
(1.43)
The energy absorbed by the oscillator is equal to the energy dissipated due to damping.
From eqns. (1.43) and (1.41a)
P cA
c
r r
st
= =
+

1
2 2 1 2
2 2
2 2
2 2 2

( ) ( )
=
+
=

,
+

c r
r r
c
r
r
st n st n
2 1 2 2
1
1
4
2 2
2
2 2 2
2 2
2
2

( ) ( ) (1.44)
A plot of P for various Q-factors is shown in Fig. 1.16.
1.0 2.0 ( / ) w w
n
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Q = 30
Q = 10
Q = 3
Q = 1
P
o
w
e
r
(
A
b
s
o
r
b
e
d
)
Fig. 1.16 Frequency dependence of mean power absorbed by an oscillator for various values of Q
Clearly this is maximum at r = 1 or =
n
. The frequency of an undamped oscillator
(
d
) =
n
(1
2
)
1/2
. Hence the power resonance occurs at a frequency different from the
d
.
P
max
=
c
st n
2
1
4
2 2
2

(1.45)
20 PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS
From eqns. (1.44) and (1.45)
P
P
r
r
=

,
+
max
4
1
4
2
2
2

(1.46)
1.5.7 Resonance, Quality Factor and Bandwidth
Let us find the value of r for which
P
P
=
max
2

1
2
4
1
4
2
2
2
=

,
+

r
r

1
2
r
r

,
= 4
2
or
1
r
r

,
= 2 1 r
2
= 2r or r
2
2r 1 = 0
Since r > 0
r
1
=

1
2
4 1 2
2
n
=
+
and r
n
2
2
2
4 1 2
2
= =
+ +

2(r
2
r
1
) = 4 or (
2

1
) = () = 2
n

=
1
2
= Q (1.47)
The frequencies
1
and
2
corresponding to r
1
and r
2
are known as half power points
(Fig. 1.17).
2
~
1
= is known as the bandwidth. It is possible to arrive at an expression for
the bandwidth by considering the expression for the amplitude. For small values of damping
( < 0.05), from eqn. (1.41a),
d

n
.
A
Q
st
n

=
1
2
P
max
P
2
max
Dw
w
1
w
n
w
2
Fig. 1.17 Bandwidth and half power points
VIBRATIONS AND RESONANCE 21
A/d
st
1
2x
Q =
Q
2
Bandwidth
r
1
r
2
1.0
w w /
n
Half power points
Fig. 1.18 Bandwidth and half power points
Thus Q is also equal to the amplitude ratio at resonance (Fig. 1.18). The points r
1
and r
2
where the amplification factor falls to A/ 2 as called half-power points because the power
absorbed by the damped oscillator responding harmonically at a given frequency, is proportional
to the square of amplitude. The difference between the frequencies associated with the half
power points r
1
and r
2
is called the bandwidth. To find the values of r
1
and r
2
, from eqn.
(1.41a), we have
Q
r r
2
1
1 2
1
2 2
2 2 2
=
+
=
( ) ( )

( ) ( ) 1 2 8
2 2 2 2
+ = r r
r r
4 2 2 2
4 2 1 8 0 + + = ( ) ( )
This is a quadratic in r
2
r
1
2
= 1 2
2
2(1 +
2
)
1/2
and r
2
2
= 1 2
2
+ 2(1 +
2
)
1/2
where =
1
at r
1
and =
2
at r
2
Making the approximation
(1 +
2
)
1/2

1
1
2
2
+

, we get
r
n
1
2 1
2
2 2
1 2 2 1
1
2
1 2 =

= +

( )
r
n
2
2 2
2
2 2
1 2 2 1
1
2
1 2 =

= + +

,
+

( )

2
2

1
2
= (
2
+
1
)(
2

1
) = (r
2
2
r
1
2
)
n
2
4
n
2
But
1
+
2
= 2
n
=
2

1
2
n
Q =
1
2
2 1

n n

(1.48)
22 PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS
Sharpness of Resonance
We have seen that the amplitude of forced vibration is maximum when the frequency of
the applied force has the value =
n
(1 2
2
)
1/2
. If the frequency changes from this value, the
amplitude falls. When the fall in amplitude for a small departure from the resonance condition
is very large, the resonance is said to be sharp. On the other hand if the fall in amplitude is
small, the resonance is termed as flat. Thus, the term sharpness of resonance means the rate
of fall in amplitude with the change of forcing frequency on each side of the resonance frequency.
Figure 1.15 shows the variation of amplitude with forcing frequency at different amounts of
damping or Q-factor. Clearly smaller the damping, sharper the resonance and larger the
damping flatter the resonance. As can be seen from the figure, larger the Q, smaller the band-
width and sharper the resonance. In fact Q-factor is inversely proportional to the bandwidth
as shown in eqns. (1.47) and (1.48).
1.6 VIBRATION ISOLATION
1.6.1 Introduction
Machines such as motors, fans and compressors produce a vibratory force at a particular or a
range of frequencies. These are often a source of irritating noise that propagates through air
and the ground. The vibratory force generated by such machines often leads to loosening of
fasteners, excessive wear of bearings, formation of cracks and structural as well as mechanical
failures. Electronic malfunctioning through fracture of solder joints and abrasion of insulation
around conducting wires can also occur. Also there are many practical situations in which a
delicate machinery has to be isolated from vibratory impacts that it is subjected to. All vehicles
are provided with shock absorbers so that when they move on a rough and bumpy surface, the
jerky motion is not communicated to the engine and the passengers. In all these cases one
employs vibration isolation techniques, which reduce the undesirable effects of vibration. The
design of a vibration isolation system is based on the theory of forced vibration. The vibration
isolation system is said to be active or passive depending on whether the external power is
required for the isolator to perform its function or not. A passive isolator consists of a resilient
member (stiffner or spring) and an energy dissipator (dampner). Examples of passive isolators
include metal springs, cork, felt, pneumatic springs and elastomer (rubber) springs. An active
isolator is composed of a servomechanism with a sensor, signal processor and an actuator. A
servomechanism essentially senses the vibratory motion and if it exceeds a preset value,
activates an actuator for corrective action.
1.6.2 Basic Theory
Vibration isolation is used in two types of situations as shown in Figs. 1.19 and 1.20.
Case (i):
Consider for instance a heavy machine. To reduce the vibratory motion of a heavy machine
that is communicated to the floor, it is mounted on a rigid base. In this case, efficiency of
isolation is defined by force transmittability.
T
F
F
r
r r
T
= = =
+
+
Amplitude of the force transmitted to the base
Amplitude of the force exerted by the machine
0
2 2
2 2 2 2
1 4
1 4

( )
Case (ii):
This corresponds to the design of a shock absorber where a delicate machinery has to be
insulated from the vibrations transmitted from the ground. Here one defines displacement
transmittibility
VIBRATIONS AND RESONANCE 23
Motor
Pump
Base
(a)
Vibrating
machine
m
F
0
x(t)
K
c
F
F
T
0
T =
Rigid base
or foundation
F
T (b)
Fig. 1.19 Force transmittibility (a) typical machine mounting (b) conceptual diagram
x
T
m
v km/hr
c
K
2
K
2
x
0
Road surface
One cycle
(a)
x
T
x(t)
m
Delicate
instrument
or machine
x
x
T
0
T =
c
K
Base
(Package)
x
0
(b)
Fig. 1.20 Displacement transmittibility (a) Shock absorber (b) Conceptual diagram
T
x
x
r r
T
= = =
+
Amplitude of transmitted displacement to the machinery
Amplitude of applied displacement
0
2 2 2 2
1
1 4 ( )
For a simple mass-spring system the force and displacement transmittibilities are equal
and are given by the above equations. Figure 1.21 shows how T varies with frequencies for
various amounts of damping. At frequencies below resonance T = 1, indicating that the mass
and the base move in effect together as if rigidly connected. As the resonant frequency is
approached, the transmittability increases greatly, indicating an amplification of the vibration
being transmissied through the structure. The maximum transmittibility at resonance depends
on the amount of damping. Above resonance, the transmittibility falls to 1 until at a frequency
corresponding to r = 1.414. At higher frequencies T is less than 1, indicating that the vibrations
are being alternated or isolated as they travel through the structure. In this region, well above
resonance, it can be seen that the amount of damping affects the transmittibility. A lightly
24 PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS
damped system has a lower T value at the same transmitted frequency ratio than a more
heavily damped system.
10
5
3
2
1.0
0.5
0.3
0.2
0.10
0.05
0.03
0.02
0.01
x = 0
0.05
0.1
0.2
0.5
1.0
x
=
1
.
0
0.5
0.2
0.1
0
.
0
5
x
=
0
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.5 1.0 2 3 5 10
99
90
80
50
20
0
A
m
p
l
i
f
i
c
a
t
i
o
n
I
s
o
l
a
t
i
o
n
e
f
f
i
c
i
e
n
c
y
(
%
)
T
r
a
n
s
m
i
t
t
i
b
i
l
i
t
y
r = ( / ) w w
n
Fig. 1.21 Frequency dependence of transmittibility for various values of
A machine such as a motor, fan or engine produces a vibratory force at a particular
frequency , related to its rotational speed. The machine and the isolator form a mass-spring
system with a resonating frequency
n
, which is related to the mass of the machine and the
stiffness of the isolator. The isolator must be selected such that
n
is low enough to achieve a
value of r(= /
n
) high enough to produce the required degree of isolation i.e., r >> 1. The
damping of the isolator should in theory be as small as possible to achieve the best reductions
at a given frequency ratio. However, in practice, damping can be useful since in many machines
the vibratory force passes through the resonance frequency of the system during run up or run
down. The damping helps to limit the vibration amplitude of the machine as it passes through
the resonance speed.
1.6.3 Vibration Absorbers
A machine or system will experience excessive vibration if it is acted upon by a force whose
excitation frequency nearly coincides with the natural frequency of the machine or system. In
such cases, the vibration of the machine or system can be reduced by using a vibration
neutralizer or dynamic vibration absorber. This vibration absorber is another spring mass
system. It is designed such that the natural frequency of the resulting system is away from the
excitation frequency (Fig. 1.22).
VIBRATIONS AND RESONANCE 25
Motor Generator
Vibration
absorber
(a)
F sin t
0
w
Machine (m )
1
K
2
c
2
x (t)
1
Isolator
(K /2)
1
m
2
x (t)
2
Isolator
(K /2)
1
Dynamic vibration absorber
(b)
Fig. 1.22 Vibration absorber
1.6.4 Vibration Analysis and Control
Engineers routinely carry out vibration analysis of machines and structures. This is essential
for optimal efficiency of operation. The measurement of the natural frequencies of a structure
or a machine is useful in selecting the operation speeds of nearby machinery to avoid resonant
conditions. This also helps in the design of vibration isolation systems. In addition it helps in
understanding the operations of machines or structures under specific vibrational environment
such as road surface conditions, fluctuating wind velocities, random variation of ocean waves
and ground vibrations due to earthquake. Figure 1.23 shows the basic features of vibrational
measurement. The motion of the vibrating body is converted into an electrical signal by a
transducer or pick-up. Transducers measure displacement, velocity and acceleration. The
output signal is usually amplified and the data presented on a display unit for visual inspection.
The vibration measuring instrument is called a vibrometer.
Vibrating
machine or
structure
Vibration
transducer
or pickup
Signal
conversion
instrument
Display unit,
recorder or
computer
Data
analysis
Fig. 1.23 Basic vibration measurement scheme
1.7 LCR CIRCUIT ANALYSISANALYTICAL APPROACH
1.7.1 Introduction
The analytical approach that we have adopted in analysing the free, damped and forced
vibrations can be adopted to analyse LCR circuits as well. This brings out the similarity between
the mechanical and electrical oscillations.
26 PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS
1.7.2 Free Oscillation in an LC Circuit
Figure 1.24 shows a simple circuit consisting of a pure capacitor
and a pure inductor. The capacitor is initially charged using a
battery and then allowed to discharge across the inductor. At
any time
The potential across the plate V
C
=
q
C
The potential across the inductor V
L
= L
di
dt
= L
d q
dt
2
2
The negative sign indicates that the voltage opposes the increase of current.
On applying Kirchhoffs second law
L
d q
dt
q
C
2
2
0

+ = or
d q
dt LC
q
2
2
1
0 + =

d q
dt LC
q
2
2
1
= (1.49)
Comparing eqns. (1.5) and (1.49) we get

n
=
1
LC
or T = 2 LC (1.50)
Thus the magnitudes of charge on the plate varies periodically with a time
T = 2 LC
A pure LC circuit is an electrical analogue of the undamped simple pendulum. Just as
in the case of simple pendulum where the energy alternates twice the potential to kinetic
energy, here the energy is alternately stored in the capacitor as electric field and inductor as
magnetic field.
1.7.3 Damped Oscillations in a Series LCR Circuit
Figure 1.25 shows a circuit consisting of a capacitor,
inductor and a resistor. The capacitor is initially charged
and then allowed to discharge across the inductor and
the resistor. At any instant of time
Voltage across the capacitor = V
C
=
q
C
Voltage across the inductor = L
di
dt
= L
d q
dt
2
2
Voltage across the resistor = iR = R
dq
dt
Applying Kirchhoffs second law
L
d q
dt
R
dq
dt
q
C
2
2
0 + + = .
d q
dt
R
L
dq
dt
q
LC
2
2
0 + + = . (1.51)
Comparing eqns. (1.51) and (1.14) we get

n
2
=
1
LC
and 2
n
=
R
L
=
R
L
R C
L
n
2 2
= (1.52)
Fig. 1.24 LC circuit
L
C
+
+
+
+

i
Fig. 1.25 LCR circuit
C
L
R
i

+
+
+
+
VIBRATIONS AND RESONANCE 27
Thus the variation of q and i(= dq/dt) is same as that of displacement and velocity with
time and is shown in Fig 1.3. Note also that there is a phase lag of 90 between the charge
oscillations and current oscillations. Here also one can differentiate between underdamped
and overdamped cases.
Overdamping : This refers to the case when
> 1
R C
L 2
> 1 R > 2
L
C
In this case charge on the plate decays with time. It is non-oscillatory and does not
quickly decay with time.
Underdamping : This refers to the case when
< 1
R C
L 2
< 1 R < 2
L
C
In this case charge on the plate oscillates with an angular frequency

d
=
n
1
1
1
4
1
4
2
2 2
2
= =
LC
R C
L LC
R
L
(1.53)
The energy stored in the capacitor decays with time as shown in Fig. 1.10
1.7.4 Forced Oscillations in a Series LCR Circuit
Fig. 1.26 shows a series LCR circuit driven by an
alternating applied voltage
V = V
0
sin t.
Once again applying Kirchhoffs second law
L
d q
dt
R
dq
dt
q
C
V t
2
2
0
+ + = . sin

d q
dt
R
L
dq
dt
q
LC
V
L
t
2
2
0
0
+ + = . sin (1.54)
Comparing eqn. (1.54) with eqn. (1.36) following analogy is possible
Table 1.1 Correspondence between physical quantities
in mechanical and electrical oscillations
Displacement x Charge q
Velocity dx/dt Current dq/dt
Mass m Inductance L
Damping coefficient c Resistance R
Spring constant K Reciprocal of capacitance 1/C
Force amplitude F
o
Voltage amplitude V
0
Driving frequency Oscillator

=
c
m
n
2
=
R C
L 2
C
L
R
V sin t
0
w
Fig. 1.26 Driven LCR circuit
28 PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS
Comparing with eqn. (1.41a) we have

st
= V
0
C;
n
=
1
LC
; r =

n
R C
L
; =
2
(1.55a)

q
CV
LC R C
0
0
2 2 2 2 2
1
1
=
+ ( )
(1.55b)
tan =
RC
LC
R
X X
C L

1
2

(1.55c)
where X
C
and X
L
are the impedances due to capacitor and inductor and are given by
X
C
=
1
C
and X
L
= L
The variation of current with frequency can be obtained as follows:
q = q
0
sin (t )
i
dq
dt
=
= q
0
cos (t ) = i
0
cos (t ) (1.56)
From eqns. (1.55) and (1.56)
i
V C
L R C
V
C
L R
V
X X R
C C L
0
0
2 2 2 2 2
0
2
2
0
2 2
1 1
=
+
=

+
=
+

( ) ( )
(1.57)
Power absorption:
From eqn. (1.45), (1.55) and table 1.1
P
max
=
C R
CV
LC R
L
C
V
R
V
R
st n
2
1
4 2
1 1
2
2 2
2
0
2
2
0
2 2
. . .
( )
.

= =
rms
(1.58)
Also from eqn. (1.46)
P
P
r
r
P
r
r
P
RC
L
R
P
X X
R
C L
=

+
=

+
=

+
=

+
max max max max
.
4
1
4
1
2 2
1
1
1 1
2
2
2
2 2 2

(1.59)
Q-factor
From eqns. (1.47) and (1.52)
Q =
1
2
1

= =
n
R
L
C
(1.60)
1.7.5 Resonance in a Series LCR CircuitPhasor Analysis
Consider and a.c. circuit consisting of resistance R, inductance L, and capacitance C connected
in series as shown in Fig. 1.27.
VIBRATIONS AND RESONANCE 29
V
R
I
V
L
I
I
V
C
R L
C
V
R
V
L
V
C
I
I
B
D
O
C
V = R
R
I A
V = X
C C
I
I
V = Z I
V = X
L L
I
(V V ) = (X X )
L C L C
I
F
Z
f
R
X
=
(
X

X
)
L
C
(a) (b) (c)
V
Fig. 1.27 Series RLC circuit
(a) circuit diagram (b) phasor diagram (c) impedence triangle
Let V be the r.m.s. value of applied voltage and I be the r.m.s. value of current.
Voltage drop across R, V
R
= IR (in phase with I)
Voltage drop across L, V
L
= IX
L
(leading I by 90)
Voltage drop across C, V
C
= IX
C
(lagging I by 90)
The applied voltage is the vector sum of V
R
, V
L
and V
C
The phasor diagram is drawn as shown in Fig. 1.27b
(OA = V
R
= IR, OB = V
L
= IX
L
, OC = V
C
= IX
C
Assuming that V
L
> V
C
. OD = OB OC
= V
L
V
C
= IX
L
IX
C
= I(X
L
X
C
)
= IX
OF = IZ
From triangle OAF
V =
V V V
R L C
2 2
+ ( )
=
( ) ( ) IR IX IX
L C
2 2
+
=
I R X X
L C
+
2 2
( )
= IZ
where Z =
R X X
L C
2 2
+ ( )
is the impedance of the circuit.
In the phasor diagram the current I lags behind the applied voltage by an angle such
that
tan =
AF
OA
I X X
IR
X X
R
X
R
L C L C
=

=

=
( ) ( )
Where X = (X
L
X
C
) is the net reactance of the circuit.
Phase angle, = tan
1
(X/R)
Impedance triangle of the circuits is shown in Fig. 1.27c.
30 PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS
As in the previous cases, the power in the RLC series circuits can be obtained as
P = VI cos (= I
2
R)
Note that power factor = cos =
R
R X X
L C
2 2
+ ( )
Power is consumed only in the resistance (R) of the circuit.
If V
C
> V
L
, then the current will lead the applied voltage V, by an angle such that
= tan
1
(X
C
X
L
)/R and power factor = cos =
R R X X
C L
/ ( )
2 2
+
If V
L
= V
C
(i.e., X
L
= X
C
) then power factor = cos = unity. In this situation current is
maximum and corresponds to the series resonance condition.
The frequency of the resonance is given by
X
L
= X
C
L =
1
C
i.e.,

2
1
=
LC
i.e.,
f
LC
r
2
2
1
4
=

or f
r
=
1
2 LC
Resonance Curve and Q-Factor
A plot of current versus frequency in the LCR circuits is known as resonance curve. The shape
of such a curve for various values of R is shown in Fig. 1.28a. For smaller values of R, the
current frequency curve is sharply peaked, but for large values of R the curve is flat. The
variation of Z, power factor and I are separately shown in Fig. 1.32b.
I
R very
small
R very
large
I
f
0 f
cos = 1 f
I
m
= V/R
Z = R
I
f
0
f Resonant frequency,
Z
L
a
g
g
i
n
g
P
.
F
.
L
e
a
d
i
n
g
P
.
F
.
(a) (b)
Fig. 1.28
VIBRATIONS AND RESONANCE 31
The ability of a reactive circuit to store energy is expressed in terms of the quality factor
or Q-factor. It is a figure of merit which enables us to compare different coils. The Q-factor is
defined as the ratio of the energy stored in the coil to the energy dissipated on the circuit
across the resistance.
Thus Q = 2
Energy stored
Energy dissipated per cycle
Thus larger the Q-factor, greater is the storing ability for a given dissipation.
In the case of an inductor the energy stored is I
2
X
L
t. The energy dissipated is I
2
Rt
Q
L
=
I Lt
I Rt
L
R
2
2

=
=
1
R
L
C
at resonance
3 =

1
LC
In the case of a capacitor
Q =
I C t
I Rt
C
R CR
2
2
1 1 1 ( / ) ( / )

= =
=
1
R
L
C
at resonance
3 =

1
LC
The Q-factor varies from 5 to 100 for inductive circuits and from about 1400 to 10000 for
capacitive circuits. When a series circuit is in resonance the energy stored in the capacitor is
equal to that stored in inductor. In one quarter cycle the inductor stores energy while in the
next quarter cycle it is stored in the capacitor. The energy flows back and forth between
inductance and capacitance. The only loss of energy is due to the energy loss in the resistance.
Thus if the resistance is small, the energy oscillation continues for a long time even though
there is no supply of energy from an external source.
In the case of an LCR circuit, Q-factor may also be defined as equal to the voltage
magnification in the circuit at resonance. We have seen that at resonance, the current is
maximum
i.e., I
max
=
V
R
Voltage across the coil = I
max
X
L
Supply voltage = V = I
max
R
Voltage magnification =
I X
I R
X
R
L
R
L L max
max
.
= =

Q-factor =
L
R
f L
R
r
=
2
But the resonant frequency = f
r
=
1
2 LC
Q =
1
R
L
C
32 PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS
Voltage across capacitor = I
max
X
C
Voltage magnification =
I X
I R
X
R CR
C C max
max
= =
1

Q-factor =
1 1
1
1
CR LC CR R
L
C
= =
/
.
The Q-Factor of a Series LCR Circuit and Selectivity
At resonance the reactance is zero. Hence the current at resonance is I
r
=
V
R
.
Consider two frequencies on either side of f
r
where the reactance is equal to resistance
(Fig. 1.29). Hence at these frequencies Z =
R R R
2 2
2 + =
.
.
The current I at these frequencies is
I =
V
R 2
.
Power dissipation at these frequencies
P
1
=
V
R 2
2
.

R =
V
R
2
2
= P
2
A
B
C
I =
E
R
I I I
1 2
= = 0.072
C
u
r
r
e
n
t
f
1
f
2
f
3
f
Fig. 1.29
The power dissipation at resonant frequency is
P
r
=
V
R

2
R =
V
R
2
Thus the power dissipation at f
1
and f
2
is half that at resonance. Hence the points B and
C are called half power points.
VIBRATIONS AND RESONANCE 33
At f
1
which is below f
r
X
L
X
C
= R
i.e.,
1
L
1
1
C
= R or
1
1
C

1
L = R (1.61)
the circuit is capacitive.
At f
2
which is above f
r
X
L
X
C
= R
i.e.,
2
L
1
2
C
= R (1.62)
the circuit is inductive.
From (1.61) and (1.62), we get
(
2

1
) L +
1
2 1
1 2
C

= 2R
or (
2

1
) L
C
+

1
1 2

= 2R
Dividing by L
(
2

1
) 1
1 2
1 2
+

=
LC
R
L
(1.63)
As f
1
and f
2
are close together we can write to a first degree of approximation

1
L =
1
2
C
Then
1

2
LC = 1. Then (1.63) becomes
(
2

1
) (1 + 1) =
2R
L
(
2

1
) =
R
L
or f
2
f
1
=
R
L 2
(1.64)
But Q
r
=

r r
L
R
f L
R
=
2
or f
r
=
Q R
L 2
(1.65)
From (1.64) and (1.65)
f f
f Q
r

=
1
1
(1.66)
34 PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS
This is identical to eqn (1.48).
f
2
f
1
is called bandwidth B
B = f
2
f
1
= f
r
/Q (1.67)
If the bandwidth is small, the resonance is to be sharp.
Suppose the applied a.c. voltage has a number of frequency components. The LCR circuit
will give maximum response to that component frequency that is equal or nearly equal to its
resonant frequency. Thus the circuit exhibits selectivity. For this reason the circuit is called an
acceptor circuit. Equation (1.67) shows that smaller the bandwidth greater the Q-factor. Hence
a decrease in bandwidth results in better selectivity. The selectivity also increases as the ratio
L/R is increased or the product CR is decreased.
1.7.6 Resonance in a Parallel LCR Circuit
We will consider the practical case of a coil in parallel with a capacitor as shown in Fig. 1.30.
Such a circuit is said to be in electrical resonance when the reactive (or wattless) component of
line current becomes zero. The frequency at which this happens is known as resonant frequency.
I
L
R L
Z
I
C
C
I
I
C
90
I
L L
cos f
V f
L
I f
L L
sin I
L
f
L
R
Z
X
L
(a) (b) (c)
Fig. 1.30 RLC parallel circuit
(a) circuit diagram (b) phasor diagram (c) impedance triangle
The vector diagram for the circuit is shown in Fig. 1.30b.
Net reactive or wattless component = I
C
I
L
sin
L
As at resonance its value is zero.
I
C
I
L
sin
L
= 0 or I
L
sin = I
C
Now I
L
=
V
Z
; sin
L
=
X
Z
L
; I
C
=
V
X
C
Hence the condition for resonance becomes
V
Z
X
Z
V
X
L
C
= or X
L
X
C
= Z
2
Now X
L
= L and X
C
=
1
C

L
C
= Z
2
or
L
C
= Z
2
or
L
C
= R
2
+ X
L
2
VIBRATIONS AND RESONANCE 35
or
L
C
= R
2
+ (2f
r
L)
2
or (2f
r
L)
2
=
L
C
R
2
2f
r
=
1
2
2
LC
R
L
or
f
r
=
1
2
1
2
2
LC
R
L

This is the resonant frequency and is given in Hz if R is in ohms, L is in henrys and C is

in farads. If R is negligible
f
r
=
1
2 LC
which is same as for series resonance.
Because the wattless current is zero, the circuit current is minimum and is
I
min
= I
L
cos =
V
Z
R
Z
or I
min
=
VR
Z
2
Putting the value Z
2
= L/C, we get
I
min
=
VR
L C
V
L CR / /
=
The denominator (L/CR) is known as the equivalent or dynamic impedance of the parallel
circuit at resonance. It should be noted that this resistance is resistive only. Since current is
minimum at resonance, L/CR must then represent the maximum impedance of the circuit.
Current at resonance is minimum. Hence such a circuit is sometimes known as rejector
circuit because it rejects (or takes minimum current of) that frequency to which it resonates.
Q-Factor of a Parallel Circuit
It is defined as the ratio of the current through the coil or capacitor to the main current
or as the current magnification at resonance.
Then Q-factor = I
C
/I
Now I
C
= V/X
C
= V/1/C = VC
I
min
=
V
L CR ( / )
Q =
I
I
c
min
= VC/
V
L CR
L
R
f L
R
r
/
= =
2
Now at resonant frequency when R is negligible,
f
r
=
1
2 LC
36 PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS
Q =
2 1
2
1

L
R LC R
L
C
. . =
It should be noted that in series circuits, Q-factor gives the voltage magnification, whereas
in parallel circuits, it gives the current magnification.
Note that Q is also given by I
L
/I and that can also be shown to be equal to
1
R
L
C
.
REFERENCES
1. A.P. French, Vibration and Waves, Arnold-Heinemann India, New Delhi, 1973.
2. H.J. Pain, The Physics of Vibrations and Waves, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 2003.
3. S.S. Rao, Mechanical Vibrations, Pearson Education, New Delhi, 2004.
4. I.G. Main, Vibrations and Waves in Physics, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge,
1995.
5. W.H. Erickson and N.H.Bryant, Electrical Engineering Theory and Practice, John Wiley
& Sons, New York, 1967.
6. Vincent Del Toro, Principles of Electrical Engineering, Prentice Hall of India Pvt. Ltd.,
New Delhi 1987.
7. H. Alex Romanowitz, Introduction to Electric Circuits, John Wiley & Sons, New York,
1971.
8. B.L. Theraja, Fundamentals of Electric Engineering, Niraja Construction and
Development Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, 1988.
SOLVED EXAMPLES
1. A massless spring, suspended from a rigid support, carries a flat disc of mass 100 g at its
lower end, it is observed that the system oscillates with a frequency 10Hz and the am-
plitude of the damped oscillations reduces to half its undamped value in one minute.
Calculate the resistive force constant and the relaxation time of the system.
Solution: The amplitude of the damped oscillator at any instant t is given by
A = Ce
n
t
since
A
C
=
1
2
for t = 1 minute = 60s
1
2
= e e
n n

=
( ) 60 60

n
=
ln 2
60
= 1.16 10
2
rad/s
The resistive force constant = c = 2m
n
= 2 (100 10
3
) (1.16 10
2
)
= 2.32 10
3
newton/s/meter
Relaxation time =
1 1
116 10
2

n
=

. / sec red
= 86.96 s.
2. A massless spring of spring constant 10 N/m is suspended from a rigid support and carries
a mass of 0.1 kg at its lower end. The system is subjected to a resistive force c(dx/dt).
VIBRATIONS AND RESONANCE 37
where c is the resistive force constant and dx/dt is the velocity. It is observed that the
system performs damped oscillatory motion and its energy decays to 1/e of its initial
value in 50 s.
(a) What is the value of resistive force constant c ?
(b) What is the natural angular frequency of the oscillator ?
(c) What is the damping ratio and Q-factor ?
(d) What is the percentage change in frequency due to damping ?
Solution:
(a) m = 0.1 kg
The decay of the energy of the damped oscillator is given by
E(t) = E e
n
0
2
where E
0
is the initial energy.
E t
E e
( )
0
1
= = e
1
= e
n
100

n
= 10
2
/s
Hence the resistive force constant = c
= m 2
n
= 0.1 2 10
2
= 2 10
3
newton/s/meter (1)
(b) Since K = 10N/m, the angular frequency in the absence of damping is

n
=
K
m
=
10
0 1 .
= 10 rad/s (2)
(c) From (1) and (2)
=
1 10
10
2

= 1 10
3
and Q =
1
2
1
2 10
3

= 500
The angular frequency of damped oscillation is

d
=
n
1
2

=
10 1 1 10
3 2


( )
10 radian/s (3)
(d) The fractional change in frequency is given by

n d
n
d
n

1
= 1

d
n
= {1 (1
2
)
1/2
} 1 1
1
2
2

1
2
2

1
2
1 10
3 2


( )
0.5 10
6
percentage change in frequency = 0.5 10
6
10
2
= 5 10
5
(4)
3. An object of mass 0.1 kg is hung from a spring whose spring constant is 100Nm
1
. A
resistive force c (dx/dt) acts on the object where dx/dt is the velocity in meters per
second and c = 1 Nsm
1
. The object is subjected to a harmonic driving force of the form
38 PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS
F
0
cos t where F
0
= 2N and = 50 radian/s. In the steady state what is the amplitude of
the oscillations and the phase relative to applied force ?
Solution:
m = 0.1 kg ; K = 100 N/m ; c = 1 Nsm
1
; F
0
= 2N ; = 50 rad/s

n
=
K
m
= =
100
0 1
1000
.
= 31.6 rad/s
r =

n
=
50
31.6
= 1.58 ;
st
F
k
= =
0
2
100
= 2 10
2
m
=
c
m
n
2
1
2 0.1 31.6
=

= 0.158
A =

st
r r ( ) ( ) 1 2
2 10
2 2 2
2
+
=

+

(1 0.158 ) (2 1.58 0.158)

2 2
= 1.26 10
2
m
tan =
2
1
2
r
r

=
2 1.58 0.158
1 1.58
1
3
2
= 161.7
i.e., the oscillations lag behind the applied force by 161.7.
4. A series circuit consists of a resistance of 15 ohms, an inductance of 0.08 henry and a condenser
of capacity 30 microfarads. The applied voltage has a frequency of 500 radians/s. Does the
current lead or lag the applied voltage and by what angle ?
Solution:
Here = 500 radian/s, L = 0.08 H
R = 15 ohm, and C = 30 10
6
F
L = 0.08 500 = 40 ohm

1 1
30 10 500
6
C
=

= 66.7 ohm
tan =
L
C
R

1
=
40 66.7
15
26.7
15

= = 1.78
= 60.65
The current leads the applied voltage by 60.65.
5. A series circuit consists of a resistance, inductance and capacitance. The applied voltage
and the current at any instant are given by
E = 141.4 cos (3000t 10)
I = 5 cos (3000t 55)
The inductance is 0.01 henry. Calculate the values of the resistance and capacitance.
Solution:
The E.M.F. is ahead of the current by 55 10 = 45
= 45
tan = tan 45 = 1
VIBRATIONS AND RESONANCE 39
Also tan =
L
C
R

1
= 1
L
C

1
= R
Also Impedance, Z = R L
C
2
2
1
+

Z =
R R R
2 2
2 + =
= 1.414 R
But Z =
E
I
0
0
=
141.4
5
= 28.28
1.414 R = 28.28
i.e., R = 20 ohm
L
C

1
= 20
= 3000 radian/s
L = 0.01 henry
L = 0.01 3000 = 30 ohm
30
1
C
= 20
i.e.,
1
C
= 10 ohm
C =
1
10
1
10 3000
=

C = 33.33 10
6
F
C = 33.33 F.
6. A series RLC circuit with a resistance of 50 , a capacitance of 25 F and an inductance
of 0.15H is connected across 230-V, 50-Hz supply. Determine (i) impedance (ii) current
(iii) power factor and (iv) power consumption of the circuit.
Solution:
X
L
= 2fL = 2 0.15 = 47.1
X
C
= 1/2fC = 10
6
/ 50 25 = 127.3
Net X = X
L
X
C
= 47.1 127.3 = 80.2 (capacitive)
(i) Z =
R X
2 2 2 2
50 80 2 + = + .
= 94.4
(ii) I = V/Z = 230/94.4 = 2.44 A
(iii) p.f. = cos = R/Z = 50/94.4 = 0.53 (lead)
(iv) power consumed = VI cos = 230 2.44 0.53 = 297 W.
40 PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS
7. A coil of insulated wire of resistance of 8 and inductance 0.03 H is connected to an a.c.
supply at 240-V, 50-Hz. Calculate:
(i) the current, p.f. and the power
(ii) the value of capacitance which when connected in series with the above coil, causes
no change in the values of the current and power taken from the supply.
Solution:
(i) X
L
= 314 0.03 = 9.42
Z =
8 9 42
2 2
+ .
= 12.36
I = 240/12.36 = 19.4 A
W = I
2
R = 19.42 8 = 3011 W
p.f. = R/Z = 8/12.36 = 0.65 (lag)
(ii) If the circuit is to draw the same current and at the same power factor, then the total
reactance of the RLC circuit must be 9.42 . This can be achieved by selecting a
capacitor which should not only neutralize the inductive reactance of 9.42 of the
coil but must add a further capacitive reactance of 9.42 . In other words, capacitor
must have a reactance of 2 9.42 = 18.84 .
1/C = 18.84 or C = 1/314 18.84 = 169 F
8. A resonant circuit consists of a 4 F capacitor in parallel with an inductor of 0.25 H
having a resistance of 50 . Calculate the frequency of resonance.
Solution:
The resonance frequency is
f
LC
R
L
0
2
2
1
2
1
=

It is seen that f
0
is dependent on R. When R is large, f
0
is reduced. In a series circuit
f
0
= 1/2
LC
. Obviously, f
0
does not depend on R.
f
0
=
1
2
10
4 0 25
50
0 25
4 2
2


. .
= 156 Hz.
9. A coil of resistance 30 and inductance 20 mH is connected in parallel with a variable
capacitor across a supply of 25 V and frequency 1000/ Hz. The capacitance of the ca-
pacitor is then varied until the current taken from the supply is a minimum (i.e., until
the overall p.f. of the circuit is unity). For this condition, find
(i) the capacitance of the circuit
(ii) the value of the current.
Solution:
X
L
= 2fL = 2 (1000/) 20 10
3
= 40
Z =
30 40
2 2
+
= 50
(i) At resonance Z
2
= L/C
C = L/Z
2
= 20 10
3
/50
2
= 8 10
6
F = 8 F.
VIBRATIONS AND RESONANCE 41
(ii) I
min
=
V
L CR /
Dynamic impedance = 20 10
3
/8 10
6
30 = 83.3
I
min
= 25/80.3 = 0.3 A.
QUESTIONS
1. Define (a) free vibrations (b) forced vibrations (c) transient vibrations (d) damped vibrations and
(e) linear vibrations.
2. Show that the average energy of a weakly damped harmonic oscillator decays exponentially with
time.
3. Establish the equation of motion of a damped oscillator subjected to a resistive force that is
proportional to the first power of its velocity. If the damping is less than critical, show that the
motion of the system is oscillatory with its amplitude decaying exponentially with time.
4. Discuss the theory of vibration isolator.
5. Discuss the theory of electrical oscillations in a series (a) LC and (b) LCR circuit by setting up
the relevant differential equations.
6. Discuss the theory of forced electrical oscillations in a series LCR circuit by setting up the relevant
differential equation.
7. Find the expression for current in the case of a series LCR circuit. Describe the frequency
dependence of current, and hence discuss the concept of resonance.
8. Find the expression for current in the case of parallel LCR circuit. Describe the frequency
dependence of current.
9. What are acceptor and rejector circuits ?
10. What do you understand by the term quality factor and the relaxation time?
11. What is Q-factor ? Obtain an expression for the same.
PROBLEMS
1. Prove that in simple harmonic motion the average potential energy equals the average kinetic
energy when the average is taken with respect to time over one period of motion and that each
average is equal to (1/4) Ka
2
where K is the spring constant and a is the amplitude. But when
the average is taken with respect to position over one cycle, the average potential energy is equal
to (1/6) Ka
2
and the average kinetic energy is equal to (1/3) Ka
2
. Explain why the two results are
different.
2. A simple pendulum consists of a rod of mass m and length l which is pivoted at the upper end
and carries a mass M at the other end. Using energy consideration determines the frequency of
the pendulum if (a) m << M and (b) m is comparable with M.
3. A massless spring suspended from a rigid support carries a flat disc of mass 100g at its lower
end. It is observed that the system oscillates with a frequency of 10Hz and the amplitude of the
damped oscillations reduces to half its undamped value in one minute. Calculate the (a) the
resistive force constant (b) relaxation time (c) the quality factor and (d) the spring constant.
(Ans. 0.0023 Nsm
1
, 86.58 s, 2720, 394.8 Nm
1
)
4. The viscous force on sphere of radius a moving with a velocity v in a medium of coefficient of
viscosity is 6av. Determine the effects of air viscosity on the amplitude and period of simple
pendulum consisting of a aluminium bob of radius 0.5cm suspended by means of a 1m long
thread. Take the density of aluminium to be 2.65 g/cc and to be 1.78 10
4
gcm
1
s
1
.
5. According to classical electromagnetic theory, an electron orbiting around the nucleus can be
thought of as executing simple harmonic oscillation. It is subjected to an acceleration which
results in the emission of radiation. It radiates energy at the rate of (ke
2

4
A
2
/3c
3
) watts, where
k = 9 10
9
Nm
2
c
2
, e is the charge on the electron, c is the velocity of light, A is the amplitude of
42 PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS
oscillation or the radius of the orbit and is the angular frequency. If the emitted radiation has
a wavelength of 600 nm. Calculate the Q value of the oscillator and the radiation life time i.e.,
the time required for the energy to fall to e
1
of the original value. (Ans. 5 10
7
, 16.9 ns)
6. For a mass-spring system, the spring constant = 10 N/m, m = 10 kg and resistive force constant
= 8 Ns/m. Determine the motion of the mass when it is given a velocity of .068 m/s at t = 0.
7. An oscillator with small damping has mass 5 g and a force constant of 2 N/m. If the Q for the
oscillator is 200 and the system oscillate in energy resonance with an applied force (a) what is
the critical damping constant c
c
(b) what is the frequency of the applied force (c) what frequency
of the applied force will produce amplitude resonance ? (d) what is the amplitude of the displace-
ment and velocity oscillations of the oscillator if the frequency of applied force is 90% of the
natural frequency of the free oscillator ? Express the answer as fraction of the amplitude at
energy resonance (e) what is the power delivered to the oscillator by the impressed force ex-
pressed as the fraction of the power at resonance (e) what is the bandwidth of the oscillator.
(Ans. 5 10
3
kg/s, 31.8Hz, ~ 31.8Hz, 0.0237, 0.000561 1rad/s)
8. A weakly damped harmonic oscillator is driven by a force F
0
cos t, whose amplitude F
0
is kept
constant but its angular frequency is varied. It is experimentally observed that the amplitude of
the steady state oscillations is 0.1 mm at very low and attains a maximum value of 10 cms
when = 100 rad/s. Calculate (a) the Q value of the system (b) the time during which the energy
of the oscillator falls to 1/e of its initial value and (c) half-width of the power resosnance.
(Ans. 1000, 10 s, 0.05 rad/s)
9. A vibrating system of natural frequency 500 Hz is forced to vibrate with a periodic force of
amplitude 10
1
N/kg in the presence of damping coefficient of 10
5
N s/m. Calculate the maximum
amplitude of the vibration of the system. (Ans. 3.15 10
2
m)
10. The energy of a piano string of frequency 256 Hz reduces to half its initial value in 2 s. What
is the Q-factor of the string ? (Ans. 4643)
11. The quality factor of a sonometer wire of frequency 500 Hz is 5000. In what time will its energy
reduce to 1/e of its value because of damping? (Ans. 1.59s)
12. An alternating EMF, E = E
0
sin t is applied across a parallel combination of R, L and C as
shown in Fig. 1.31. Calculate the current in each branch and express the total as a sine function.
Ans. sin ( tan I E
R
L
C
t R C = + +

1
2
1
2
1
1

E sin t
0
w
I
R
I
R
I
L
L
I
C
C
Fig. 1.31
13. A resistance of 10 ohms is connected in series with an inductance of 0.5 henry. What capacitance
should be put in series with the combination to obtain the maximum current ? What will be the
potential difference across the resistance, inductance and capacitance? The current is being sup-
plied by 200 volts and 50 cycles per second mains. (Ans. 200 V ; 3142 V ; 3142 V)
14. A 60 cycles AC circuit has resistance of 2 ohms and inductance of 10 millihenries. What is the
VIBRATIONS AND RESONANCE 43
power factor ? What capacitance placed in the circuit will make the power factor unity ?
(Ans. 0.4687 ; 703 F)
15. A series circuit consisting of a condenser of capacitative reactance 30 ohms, a noniductive resist-
ance of 44 ohms and a coil of inductive reactance 90 ohms and resistance 36 ohms is connected to
200 V, 60 hertz line. Calculate (i) Impedance of the circuit (ii) Current in the circuit (iii) Poten-
tial difference across each component (iv) Power factor of the circuit (v) Power consumed.
(Ans. 1000 ohm ; 2 A, 194 V ; 60 V ; 320 Watt)
16. A circuit consists of a resistance of 20 in series with an inductance of 95.6 mH and a capacitor
of 318 F. It is connected to a 500 V, 25 Hz supply. Calculate the current in the circuit and the
power factor. (Ans. 24.3A ; 0.97 lead)
17. A circuit is made up of 10 resistance, 12 H inductance and 281.5 F capacitance in series. The
supply voltage is 10 V (constant). Calculate the value of the current when the supply frequency
is (i) 50 Hz and (ii) 150 Hz. (Ans. (i) 8 A leading (ii) 8 A lagging)
18. An a.c. series circuit has a resistance of 10 , an inductance of 0.2 H and a capacitance of 60 F.
Calculate (i) the resonant frequency (ii) the current (iii) the power at resonance given that ap-
plied voltage is 300 V. (Ans. (i) 46 Hz (ii) 20 A (iii) 4 kW)
19. A resistor and a capacitor are connected in series with a variable inductor. When the circuit is
connected to a 240 V, 50 Hz supply, the maximum current given by varying the inductance is
0.5 A. At this current the voltage across the capacitor is 250 V. Calculate the value of : (i) the
resistance (ii) the capacitance (iii) the inductance. Neglect the resistance of the inductor.
(Ans. (i) 480 (ii) 6.36 F (iii) 1.50 H)
20. A series circuit has the following characteristics : R = 10 ; L = 100/ mH ; C = 500/ F. Find:
(i) the current flowing when the applied voltage is 100 V at 50 Hz. (ii) the power factor of the
circuit (iii) what value of the supply frequency would produce series resonance.
(Ans. (i) 7.07 A (ii) 0.707 lead (iii) 70.71 Hz)
21. An inductor of 0.5 H inductance and 90 resistance is connected in parallel with a 20 F capaci-
tor. A voltage of 230 V at 50 Hz is maintained across the circuit. Determine the total power taken
from the source. (Ans. 14.5 )
22. A resistance of 50 , an inductance of 0.15 H and a capacitance of 100 F are connected in
parallel across a 100 V, 50 Hz supply. Calculate (i) the current in each circuit (ii) the resultant
current and (iii) the phase angle between the resultant current and supply voltage. Draw the
phasor diagram. (Ans. (i) 2A in phases with voltage ; 212 A-lagging V by 90
3.14 A-leading V by 90 (ii) 2.245A (iii) 12.8)
23. A coil having a resistance of 8 and inductance of 0.0181 H is connected in parallel with a
capacitor having a capacitance of 398 F and resistance of 5 . If 100 V at 50 Hz are applied
across the terminals of the above parallel circuit, calculate (i) the total current taken form the
supply and (ii) its phase angle with respect the supply voltage. Draw a complete vector diagram
for the circuit showing the 3 currents and the supply voltage. (Ans. (i) 13.97 A (ii) 12.8)
24. A coil of inductance 31.8 mH and resistance of 10 is connected in parallel with a capacitor
across a 250 V 50 Hz supply. Determine the value of the capacitance if no reactive current is
taken from the supply. (Ans. 159 F)
25. A 100-V, 80 W lamp is to be operated on 230-V, 50-Hz a.c. supply. Calculate the inductance of the
choke required to be connected in series with the lamp for this operation. The lamp can be taken
as equivalent to a non-inductive resistance. If the p.f. of the lamp circuit is to be improved to
unity, calculate the value of the capacitor which is to be connected across the circuit.
(Ans. L = 0.823 H ; 10 F)